Only one team scored more than 17 points against Langston Hughes this season so one Panther deservingly received a lot of credit.

And that player was sophomore defensive end DeAndre Walker, who was named Defensive Player of the Year in Region 3-AAAAAA.

“He is just scratching the surface,” Langston Hughes coach Willie Cannon said. “He doesn’t know how special he can be so we must keep his head level and continue to work. He can be as great as he wants to be. He played very big for us and I’m expecting even bigger things in the next couple of years.”

Walker had 105 tackles – 73 solo and 18 for loss – 21 sacks, two forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries for the 10-2 Panthers.

“My teammates helped me get to where I am,” said the 6-foot-4 Walker. “They pushed me to work harder. This is what happens when you work hard. Next year, I know that I have to work harder because everybody knows the potential I have and how good I can be.”

Walker, who is now playing for the basketball team, said he would like to play football for one of his favorite teams, the Georgia Bulldogs.

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